BMW Art & Culture, a special department of BMW France, which has been supporting photography since 2003, is presenting the works of two winners of the 2011 and 2012 BMW residency, a paid grant and programme set to encourage young photography artists to express themselves.

Alexandra Catiere, a French female photographer, the winner of 2011 programme, will showcase her series of works named Ici, par-delà les brumes” (Here, beyond the mist) at the Nicéphore Niépce Museum during Novermber 14-18, 2012. Another artist, Marion Gronier, the winner of the 2012 BMW residency, will also present a foretaste of her work in Chalon-sur-Saône in the exhibition area.

Photo: by ©Alexandra Catiere (02/2012)

Photo: by Marion Gronier
A few may know that BMW Group has been supporting contemporary art for more tham 40 years.  In particular, the brand first showcased its commitment and contribution to photography in 2011, when established its BMW Residency Program in partnership with the Niépce Museum and Paris Photo. It offers a young artist a chance to work on a personal project for three months in Chalon-sur-Saône, as well as includes a grant of €6000 and all-paid accommodation expenses. An artist is also given the opportunity to publish a book and exhibit his or her work at the Rencontres d’Arles festival and at Paris Photo.

The call for entries for the 2013 BMW residency at the Nicéphore Niépce Museum will be launched on January 5, 2013. The application form will be available for download on the museum site (www.museeniepce.com) and the BMW website.